SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING GUIDE.
San Francisco Weather in July: Tips to Prepare & Pack for Your SF Vacation
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: April 15, 2025 • Published: February 6, 2017
San Francisco weather in July is ideal for exploring and sightseeing without having to battle summer heat, thanks to mild daytime temps and cool evenings.
How hot is San Francisco in July? Not at all. This is the ideal summer destination for those looking to escape the heat!
In fact, of all the major US cities, SF has the coldest average temperature for what is usually the hottest month of the year (67° F in July, followed by Seattle's 76°).
Read on for my tips on what to pack during your stay, my favorite things to do in July, and a few ways to save while you are here.
Meet Karl the Fog
The Fourth of July fireworks in San Francisco are often obscured by fog, but sometimes you get lucky!It's not unusual to hear the Independence Day fireworks more than you see them! That's because, in July, San Francisco is covered in fog at night, which keeps our temperatures low.
The weather gets foggier as the month progresses because, as temperatures rise inland, the warmth hits the cool Pacific Ocean and creates this effect.
This weather phenomenon is so famous, in fact, that locals gave it a name: Karl the Fog.
A Typical Day in July
The fog usually burns off by midday, and most July afternoons warm up to the mid-60s with sun (rain this month is extremely rare).
The fog then rolls in again in the evening, cooling down to the mid-50s.
You may not see much sun if you stay on the coast in cloudier areas like Marina District, Golden Gate Park, or the Sunset District.
However, some of our more inland neighborhoods are known to be sunnier and warmer, such as the Mission District, Noe Valley, or Potrero Hill.
Will you be able to see the Golden Gate Bridge in July? Check the forecast before you plan your visit. Your best bet for visibility is to go in the afternoon.
Here are some stats for the San Francisco weather in July.
Average High in July: 67° F / 19° C
Average Low in July: 54° F / 12° C
Average Monthly Rainfall: 0 inches / 0 mm
Record High: 103° F / 39° C (7/17/1988)
Record Low: 47° F / 8° C (7/10/1953)
SFTourismTips is made possible by readers like you! If you book through my links, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! Learn more.
What to Pack for the San Francisco Weather in July
The key for how to dress in San Francisco is to wear layers.
While most people come packed for "summer weather," I recommend coming with a few warmer items for foggy mornings and cooler evenings.
Here's my packing list to prepare for San Francisco weather in July:
- Light jacket or sweater that you can easily remove and carry (my recommendations)
- Short-sleeved shirts for your basic layers
- Long pants or jeans (shorts or skirts if you check the forecast and it's meant to heat up during your visit)
- Closed-toe shoes for long days of sightseeing up and down our hills (sandals optional for beach or sunny days)
- Sunglasses and hat to protect yourself from the sun and wind (some ideas here)
Remember: it's also good to dress warmly for walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, exploring Ocean Beach, or catching the views atop breezy Twin Peaks.
>> More about what to pack for July
Fourth of July Fireworks: What to Expect
One of the biggest events this month is our large fireworks display over the SF Bay to celebrate Independence Day. Fireworks are set off over the water near Fisherman's Wharf.
Even though most of July is foggy in the evening, you'll hopefully get a great view of the fireworks from several places around the Bay.
If you do plan to attend the show, make sure to bundle up as the temps will dip down into the mid-50s once the sun goes down.
>> More on watching the fireworks in SF in July
5 Fun Things to Do in July
Since the San Francisco weather in July is cool and sunny, you will find it's a busy time of year to visit. Here are a few other fun things to do this month.
1. See an SF Giants baseball game: Head over to Oracle Park to enjoy a game with the SF Giants. They play more than a dozen home games this month against teams such as the LA Dodgers, the San Diego Padres, and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Click here for details on this year's schedule.
2. Cruise around the bay: Another one of the must do activities in July is a bay cruise. Many people opt for the standard 60-minute cruise, which takes you all around the bay and under the Golden Gate Bridge. Other options include a wine tasting cruise, a dinner cruise, or a high-speed ride on the Rocketboat. Find my 10 favorites here. Get advanced tickets.
3. Visit the California Academy of Sciences: One of our most popular museums is the California Academy of Sciences. It's really four museums in one with a natural history museum, a 4-story rainforest, a planetarium, and an aquarium. Plan to spend most of the day here checking out their exhibits. Find more details about visiting here or get skip-the-line tickets.
4. Sample local cuisines on a food walking tour: Taste a variety of dishes on a food tour in one of our districts. You can head to North Beach for tastes of Italy, sample traditional Chinese dishes in Chinatown, or get a taste of the Latin culture in the Mission. Learn more about these and other fun food walking tours.
5. Listen to music in the park: Every Sunday in July, you can enjoy free live music at Stern Grove Park. Concerts start at 2 pm and feature local artists as well as international stars. Find this year's list of performers here.
More Fun Ideas for July
>> See a list of the 20 best summer events
>> Tips for first-time visitors
>> 25 free things to do in July
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Another great way to enjoy the San Francisco weather in July is on a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour. These double-decker buses have open tops which allow you to get great views all around town.
You can also quickly get from one attraction to the next. The one I often recommend will take you to several locations including the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Lombard Street, and several other locations.
>> Find out more about the hop on hop off bus and check for availability during your stay
More Things to Do in SF in July
Hi, I'm Jill!
Dreaming of a San Francisco vacation? As a proud local, I'm here to share my insider tips and personal experiences to help you make the most of this iconic city!
 |
 |
 |
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!